De clash van het weekend tussen de nummers 1 en 2 van de Ereklasse was minder spannend dan vooraf werd gedacht. De wedstrijd werd op verzoek van HRC verplaatst naar zondagochtend en was al na een minuut of 25 min of meer beslist toen Rotterdam een 26-0 voorsprong had genomen. Op deze zonovergoten dag en onder grote publieke belangstelling was Rotterdam Den Haag vandaag op alle fronten de baas en bleef zo voor de 21e keer ongeslagen.
Ons Future team wist ook knap te winnen van koploper HRC. In een zeer spannende wedstrijd trok Rotterdam de wedstrijd in de “last play” naar zich toe (31-25).
Rotterdam Flex Their Might in Sunday Showdown Against HRC – Ereklasse Round 21 Recap
Ereklasse Round 21 brought with it one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season — a top-of-the-table clash between the undefeated RC Rotterdam and last year’s finalists, Haagsche Rugby Club. A match that promised intensity, flair, and tactical battles lived up to expectations, though it unfolded under solemn circumstances.
Originally slated for a standard weekend slot, the fixture was rescheduled to Sunday morning at the request of Haagsche, following the passing of one of their player’s fathers — a moment that brought the rugby community together in shared respect. Rotterdam, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, graciously agreed to the adjustment.
When the whistle blew on Sunday morning, it was Rotterdam who erupted out of the gates, asserting dominance from the first minute. In the opening quarter, they monopolised possession and surged to a commanding 26-0 lead, leaving HRC visibly rattled. The conditions were ideal for expansive rugby, and Rotterdam took full advantage, combining a bruising physical edge with sharp execution in both the running and kicking games.
One of the standout facets of Rotterdam’s performance was their set-piece supremacy. Rijk Herremans was imperious in the lineout, repeatedly stealing ball off the top and disrupting HRC’s attacking platform. Their rolling maul, too, proved lethal — powering over the line on multiple occasions with clinical precision.
To their credit, Haagsche Rugby Club found moments of brilliance amidst the pressure. In what may well be a contender for try of the season, they launched a scintillating counterattack from deep within their own 22, slicing through defenders with speed and flair. But each time HRC threatened a comeback, Rotterdam had a response — regaining control and extending their lead with ruthless efficiency. Full Time, Rotterdam victors with a dominant win: 59 – 19
Post-match, Rotterdam head coach Christian Ferreira was frank in his assessment:
“We are quite disappointed that HRC didn’t bring the fight this morning. We had prepared well for this game — the scoreboard reflects that.”
On the other side, Haagsche’s head coach expressed gratitude and admiration:
“Thanks to Rotterdam for allowing us to change the scheduled time. Secondly, I thought RRC were great — Rotterdam are the benchmark.” – Hadley Jackson
Full Interviews – https://youtu.be/fewBQ7mrzVU?si=sph00quZlUQCA-1x
This match had been circled on calendars across Dutch rugby circles for weeks — and Rotterdam reaffirmed their status as the team to beat, improving to an unblemished 21-0 record in the league’s round-robin stage. Their cohesion, discipline, and ability to execute under pressure continues to separate them from the chasing pack.
With one round remaining before the playoffs, the Ereklasse table has shifted dramatically. Haagsche now sit third on 75 points, just behind a surging Eemland Rugby, who have climbed into second place. The Dukes, after a dominant win, are level with HRC on 75 points, sitting in fourth only by points difference — setting the stage for a dramatic final weekend.
(bron: Dutch Rugby Magazine)
RRC 1 – HRC 1 (59-19)
De Rotterdamse tries werden gescoord door:
Will Maddocks (2 x) , Sebastiaan van Mameren, Pedro Jaleco, Louis van Heukelom, Rijk Herremans, Martijn van Dalen, Blake Males en Jolan Klijnjan
Foto’s René Ladenius
Kijk hier de wedstrijd terug:
